Akili Smith

By Allyson Turner

Projected as a top three pick in this year's NFL Draft, Akili Smith says he isn't concerned with where he gets drafted -- he just wants to play in the NFL.

Smith, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound quarterback, started every game for Oregon during his senior season. He completed 191 of 325 passes for 3,307 yards and 30 TDs with 7 interceptions.

As a junior in 1997, Akili started only six games but threw for 1,298 yards and 12 touchdowns with 6 interceptions. Smith played three years as an outfielder in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization but batted only .125. He attended junior college before his two years at Oregon.

 

Akili Smith and UCLA's Cade McNown were named Pac-10 co-offensive players of the year. (Allsport)

If you could learn from one veteran quarterback, who would it be?
Warren Moon because of the success he's had. Or John Elway or Steve Young.

Which quarterback would you most like to be compared to?
John Elway. I love his game. The way he throws, his toughness, the fact that he's been to the Super Bowl and finally won the Super Bowl. I've been idolizing him for a long time.

Realistically, who do you see yourself playing like?
Right now, more like Randall Cunningham, with a quicker release.

If you could be invisible in any huddle, which quarterback's huddle would you choose?
Joe Montana in any situation.

Which receiver would you most like to throw to?
Randy Moss, without a doubt.

What about a running back?
Terrell Davis.

In an ideal world, where would you most like to play?
The West Coast, just because I'm from there.

If you had your choice, would you prefer to be thrown into the NFL fire or gradually learn a system?
Throw me in the fire because I'm more capable of putting the fire out.

Where does your name come from and what does it mean?
Swahili dictionary. It means power, creativity and intelligence.

What is your best attribute?
My work ethic.

What is your worst attribute?
My eating habits. Sometimes I eat too much fast food.

Why football and not baseball?
I was batting .125.

You are among the players who could go No. 1. Does it matter to you where you are drafted?
No. I just want to play football.

Will you be able to sleep the night before the draft?
I doubt it very seriously.

What are you doing leading up to the draft?
Just flying from city to city meeting coaches. Flew to Phoenix for Sports Illustrated, just a lot of flying and different things going on.

On one of these flights, if you could choose who you would sit next to, who would it be?
Reggie White.

What will be the first thing you buy after signing an NFL contract?
Probably a car for my mom.

Who had the most influence on you?
My father. He taught me how to focus and stay out of trouble.

What is one word that best describes you?
Outgoing and just real laid back.

What was the best piece of advice you received and who was it from?
Probably from (Oregon quarterback coach) Jeff Tedford. The mental part of the game -- to study mentally.

What are you personal goals for football?
I want to play in the NFL, win a few Super Bowls, and go to the Pro Bowl, eventually retire and coach high school football.